16 October 2008

Shame may be a strong word but that's what I'd use to describe the Portugal 0-0 Albania game too. They had great old Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Quaresma, and Nuno Gomes. They even played against 10 men the WHOLE second half.

Four official games with Carlos Queiroz as Portugal manager. Disappointing results. Yes I did expect him to make changes in the starting lineup. Scolari used Nani as a substitute in Euro 2008, Queiroz used him in the starting lineup. Scolari would put Nuno Gomes and Queiroz puts him on the bench or on too late like in today's game.

In the end results matter, and I'm also beginning to wonder why Queiroz hasn't had a victory in the last 3 games.

The Portuguese press was very critical of Portugal's performance. Stating first the obvious that Cristiano Ronaldo is far from being his best and why Nuno Gomes didn't replace Hugo Almeida.

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English translation O Jogo Cover Oct. 16, 2008
Portugal 0-0 Albania 'I had the impression that there are players in the national team that are competing against each other.'

Looks like the draw against Malta 21 years ago
'And I'm the dumb one' (literal= I am the donkey)
Very weak performance by Portugal leaves it farther away from the world cup ... and with nostalgia of Scolari.
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